Well now the secrets out....so I want
to reference you to the very last page (#172) of the November 30th.
current issue of the Wine Spectator regarding Syrah specialist Charles
Smith of K Vintners in the Walla Walla
Valley of Washington state. As I mentioned in my Super Syrah email
earlier in the month, I have been "foraging" for exceptional Syrah
from distinctive "place" and terroir.... up and down the West Coast. A
very favorable argument can be made that Charles Smith is producing the
best Syrah in Washington State. About a month ago I spent an
entertaining hour on the phone with Charles discussing everything from
his vineyard and Syrah, his 1949 Cadillac, to managing REM, and growing
up in Sacramento. Charles is a cool dude! The K's label is
"sketchy". His wines will be memorable!
What the WS article does not mention
is the 2000 K's Pepperbridge Syrah was included in Wine &
Spirits's "The Year's Best Top Ten Syrah". Also, although the
article cites reviews about K's entry level 2001 Milbrandt Syrah from
Columbia Valley (89 points) and the long sold out Cougar Hills Syrah
from Walla Walla Valley (91 points), writer Harvey Steiman fails to
mention two spectacular, but very limited new releases of Syrah from
K. I know they are spectacular because I have tasted them.
2001 Morrison
Lane - Walla Walla Valley - $51.95 NET - Twenty-eight cases for
distribution in California (TWC received two cases) - Big soft aromas
of baked blueberry/blackberry pie filling come billowing up and out of
the glass! Evidence of lavender and violets add complexity to the
aromas. The palate impressions are firm and assertive, while also soft
and mouthcoating. Again, big dark ripe berry impressions stain the
palate and the glass. Long full dreamy finish. Love it! - ES at TWC
2001 Pepperbridge
- Walla Walla Valley - $56.95 NET - 5 cases for distribution in
California (TWC received one case) - Now this wine is a unbridled black
monster that is going to take a few years of cellaring to be tamed.
Almost too rich and powerful to drink now! Tannins most evident, but
soft, full and integrated to a magnificent core of juicy fruit.
Underlying verve of earth and minerality add to complexity and
structure. I think this Syrah might even glow in the dark. Don't turn
your back on it at the table....this wine could eat your dinner for
you! Wow!! To repeat: huge black fruits, black leather, smoke....and
probably some mirror, chains and whips too!! I know I will have to
keep a few for myself! ES at TWC
I may be able to latch on to a few more
cases of the 2001 Milbrandt Syrah if
anyone is interested. It was available to taste at the tasting bar on
Saturday and (#268-5324) sold out. Aromas of squished ripe purple
plum. Soft and full entry with similar flavor on the palate, but an
underlying almost gritty minerality that adds a serious nature the
wine's dynamics. Very enjoyable to drink now or cellar for a few
years. It is priced at
$33.95 a bottle, but discounts down to $28.86......let's say on a six
bottle order.
You may order any of the above wines,
but please give me your "best scenario" request. Limits may be
restricted. I will attempt to be fair to those who respond quickly as
I know these wines should sell out fast.
Hang on! If
you don't get any of these jewels, I have a few more surprises in store
for you!
..........More
tomorrow!!
Thank you,
Eric Stumpf
The Wine
Consultant
8039 Greenback
Lane
Citrus Heights,
CA 95610
(916) 721-WINE
(9463)
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